Pipework part of fire zone in API ? essential judgement / pratice

[jamesbanda]

dear all,

Ive seen a few difference pratices used for pipework and vessels under api. So do you consider pipework in your api fire zone calculations ?
and do you consider it mandatory , good pratice or otherwise..
do you use a factored approach eg 10% etc..

 

[Chance17]

1)I know of no Industry Standard that requires pipe be protected from overpressure by external Fire.
2)Sometimes, the pipe wetted area is added to the vessel wetted area for Fire protection.
3)Some organizations exclude fire protection for vessels made of pipe components.

 

[jamesbanda]

so what is api pratice.. i've read it and its not clear to me.. when you have a vessel do you allow 10% for pipework ? and where is a good source of guidelines ?

 

[don1980]

James, I don't think there are any standards that provide specific guidance for protecting piping due to fire exposure. When calculating the exposed surface area, I seldom ever include any surface area for piping. I think some companies do, but that's a risk management decision that the owner can make.

My view is that the methodology is adequately conservative without this additional safety factor.